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Top 2012 takeaways

Voters in Maine and Maryland affirmed the right of same-sex couples to legally wed, the Associated Press projected — the first time such measures by popular referenda have passed anywhere in the country.

Another pro-gay marriage initiative Washington appeared poised to pass as of Wednesday afternoon. Voters in Minnesota, meanwhile, rejected a separate ballot measure that would have amended the state constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman.

Maryland and Maine join seven other U.S. jurisdictions (six states and the District of Columbia) in permitting gay marriage. Many others have legalized civil unions for same-sex couples. Support for the measure — especially among the black community — saw a significant uptick after President Barack Obama endorsed same-sex marriage earlier this year.

“Now the commitment gay and lesbian couples have made in life will be respected equally under the law, celebrated before their loved ones, and called what it is: marriage,” said Freedom to Marry National Campaign Director Marc Solomon in a statement.

“This is a landmark election for marriage equality and we will forever look back at this year as a critical turning point in the movement for full citizenship for LGBT people,” Human Rights Campaign president Chad Griffin said in a statement.

Voters in several states considered measures to limit the Obama administration’s health care law from applying within state boarders.

"...and these issues only provide further proof how divided and polarized we have become as a nation!"

Not really, the trend is towards smaller government, pushing back against government restricting our freedoms and interfering in our personal lives and choices. Democrats, Libertarians and some Republicans voted to pass these measures. It's more an age thing, as older generations die off, younger generations see less of a role for big government in interfering with their choices and private lives.